Henry Negretti Joseph Zambra - Mid 19th Century Photogravure, Victorian Couple

Description

A fine pair of photogravure portraits finished in gouache bodywork detail and signed by the artists in graphite. The attention to detail in the gouache detailing of the clothes and facial highlights adds an extra layer of charm to these portraits. The pair are presented in two aesthetic movement style, heavy black frames with botanical gold detailing and a painted gilt effect arched inner window. Signed. On vellum.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration. There is light foxing over both portraits and some dust and dirt trapped behind the glass. The frames have some losses to the veneer at the corners and edges and considerable scuffing and chipping of the raised inner window. There are also losses to the gold botanical details at the corner of the frames

Size

13.6 x 9.8cm (5.4" x 3.9")
Framed Size: 32 x 25.7cm (12.6" x 10.1")

Artist Biography

Negretti and Zambra (active 1850 – c. 1999) was a company that produced scientific (philosophical) and optical instruments and also operated a photographic studio based in Lon. Henry Negretti (1818–1879) and Joseph Zambra (1822–1897) formed a partnership in 1850, thereby founding the firm which would eventually be appointed opticians and scientific instrument makers to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and King Edward VII, the Royal Observatory and the British Admiralty. (Both Negretti and Zambra were born in Italy.)